What Kind of Electrician Do I Need for an EV Charger?
Electric vehicle chargers are one of the most common residential electrical projects today, but they're not all the same job. Depending on your home's electrical panel, the charger level you want, and your local code requirements, the scope can range from a simple outlet installation to a full panel upgrade. Here's exactly what type of electrician you need and what questions to ask before you hire.
Level 1 vs Level 2: The Key Distinction
A Level 1 charger plugs into a standard 120V outlet and adds roughly 3–5 miles of range per hour. Most homes already have the outlet, so no licensed electrician is required unless you want a dedicated circuit installed for safety. A Level 2 charger operates on 240V — the same voltage as a dryer or oven — and adds 20–30 miles per hour. Level 2 requires a dedicated 240V circuit installed by a licensed electrician. That's the work you need a specialist for.
What Type of Electrician to Hire
For a standard residential EV charger installation, you need a licensed residential electrician — specifically one who advertises EV charger installation as a service. This contractor will pull the necessary permit, run the 240V circuit from your panel to the garage or driveway, mount the EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment), and schedule the inspection. Look for contractors who list experience with NEMA 14-50 or hardwired EVSE installations. Some charger manufacturers (Tesla, ChargePoint, Wallbox) maintain their own installer networks, but those installers are still licensed electricians.
When You Also Need a Panel Upgrade
Older homes — especially those with 100-amp service panels — may not have spare capacity for a 50-amp EV circuit. In this case, your electrician will recommend a panel upgrade before or alongside the charger installation. Panel upgrades add cost and complexity. Ask your electrician to assess panel capacity during the initial quote, so there are no surprises on installation day.
What to Ask Before You Hire
Ask any candidate: 1) Are you licensed and insured in my state? 2) Do you pull permits for EV charger installations? 3) Have you installed the specific charger model I have? 4) Will you assess my panel capacity during the quote? 5) What's your timeline from quote to inspection sign-off? A contractor who skips the permit step is a red flag — an unpermitted EV circuit can void your homeowner's insurance and cause problems when you sell.
How ElectriScout Can Help
ElectriScout's EV Charger Installation specialty search filters contractors who specifically list this service. You can filter by city and see which specialists are listed across multiple directories — a useful starting point for comparison.
Published · ElectriScout Editorial